Open vs. Opposed

Read:  Psalm 119:65-72 / Proverbs 28 / Exodus 8 / Acts 16 

 

Psalm 119:66,68 Teach me good judgment and knowledge... Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.

Exodus 8:32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.

Acts 16:14 A certain woman named Lydia... whose heart the Lord opened... attended unto the things which were spoken.

 

The Lord is good, and He will teach

His judgment and His knowledge well

To open hearts that we may reach,

Though hardened hearts will still rebel. 

 

We see the choice that Pharaoh made:

Opposing God, his heart was hardened. 

In Lydia we see displayed

The joy when open hearts are pardoned.  

 

 

Companions with Christ

Read:  Psalm 119:57-64 / Proverbs 27 / Exodus 7 / Acts 15

 

Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Exodus 7:6,12 Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded.... They cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

Acts 15:40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.  

 

Our best Companion is the Lord,

As all our friends in Christ agree.

As iron sharpens more the sword,

His truth refines and makes us free. 

 

Like Moses serving with his brother

Defeating Egypt’s opposition,

And Paul with Silas helped each other,

We’re called to further Christ’s commission.  

 

Awe in Action

Read:  Psalm 119:49-56 / Proverbs 26 / Exodus 6 / Acts 14

 

Psalm 119:53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. 

Proverbs 26:10 The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

Exodus 6:1 Then the LORD said unto Moses, Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh.

Acts 14:15 Turn... unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.

 

Our horror is the right reaction

To those who disregard God’s law. 

The Lord has called us to take action

With prayerful urgency and awe. 

 

Though some may choose to stand aloof,

We ought to heighten our concern, 

Persuading sinners with the proof

That God is saving those who turn.  

 

Evangelistic Evidence

Read:  Psalm 119:41-48 / Proverbs 25 / Exodus 5 / Acts 13

 

Psalm 119:46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Proverbs 25:13,25 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him... As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD.

Acts 13:40,41 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days... which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

 

Evangelistic proof proclaimed

Is good news to the thirsty soul. 

Let us declare it unashamed

To show God’s love so wonderful! 

 

Though some, like Pharaoh, choose to scorn,

We bring the Gospel’s sure defense

To thus persuade those whom we warn

With clear, convincing evidence.

Transient Treasure

Read:  Psalm 119:33-40 / Proverbs 24 / Exodus 4 / Acts 12

 

Psalm 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.

Proverbs 24:14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul: when thou hast found it, then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Exodus 4:31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that He had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Acts 12:23-24 The angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory... But the word of God grew.

 

I’ve seen the transient vanity

In all this world’s treasured stuff. 

I’ve heard the fool’s insanity;

I’ve surely seen and heard enough!

 

Behold the beauty of the Lord

Who came from heaven’s highest throne!

My expectation and reward

Are found in Jesus Christ alone. 

Willing vs. Withstanding

Read:  Psalm 119:25-32 / Proverbs 23 / Exodus 3 / Acts 11 

 

Psalm 119:27,32 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works... I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

Exodus 3:11,14 Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?... God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM.

Acts 11:17 God gave them the like gift as he did unto us... What was I, that I could withstand God? 

 

Since I have understood God’s way,

I’ll talk about what He has done. 

The Lord shall teach me what to say;

At His commandment, I will run. 

 

I will not question, “Who am I?”

And thus withstand my Lord’s command.

He sends me forth to testify,

And He will lead me with His hand. 

 

Open Offer!

Read:  Ps. 119:17-24 / Proverbs 22 / Exodus 2 / Acts 10 

 

Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

Proverbs 22:17 Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge.

Exodus 2:24-25 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant... And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.

Acts 10:34,36 Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons... The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all.

 

If God had not opened my eyes,

If God had not caused me to hear,

If God had not cared for my cries,

My hope would be swallowed by fear!

 

But God was not distant from me;

He heard me, and answered my call.

He saved me, and now I am free!

His offer is open to ALL! 

 

Guide and Guard

Read:  Psalm 119:9-16 / Proverbs 21 / Exodus 1 / Acts 9

 

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Proverbs 21:3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Exodus 1:17 But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded ... but saved the men children alive.

Acts 9:6 Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise... it shall be told thee what thou must do.

 

The Word of God is just and true;

Our hearts should hide it deep within

To guide us in the things we do

And also guard our hearts from sin. 

 

It teaches us to fear the Lord,

Like Egypt’s midwives and like Paul

Who found their purpose and reward 

 In their obedience to God’s call.  

 

 

Committed to His Control

Read:  Ps. 119:1-8 / Proverbs 20 / Genesis 50 / Acts 8

 

Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Proverbs 20:24,27 Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?... The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts.

Genesis 50:20 But God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Acts 8:5,35 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ... Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

 

There is a blessing God imparts

To those who humbly seek His face. 

God searches for committed hearts 

That He may lead them by His grace.

 

As Joseph knew God’s plan was good, 

As preaching Christ was Philip’s goal,

The Lord used those who understood

That God is good and in control. 

 

 

God of Glory

Read:  Psalm 118 / Proverbs 19 / Genesis 49 / Acts 7

 

Psalm 118:8,22 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man... The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Proverbs 19:21 There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

Genesis 49:1 And Jacob... said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.

Acts 7:2,55 The God of glory appeared... But he... saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

 

We see the Stone which was refused

Portray the Savior men despise. 

The God of glory was abused

By those who thought that they were wise. 

 

Though Christ-rejecters have not feared,

The Lord shall have them in derision. 

The God of glory has appeared!

Should not His glory fill our vision?  

 

 

Praise and Proclaim

Read:  Psalm 117 / Proverbs 18 / Genesis 48 / Acts 6

 

Psalm 117:1,2 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth forever. Praise ye the LORD.

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Genesis 48:21 And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God shall be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.

Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

 

O praise the Lord in every nation!

Proclaim with joy the Gospel themes:

His grace and truth have brought salvation

To save the lost whom He redeems! 

 

All those who search for God shall find

The knowledge that He will impart

To everyone who is inclined

To seek Him with a humble heart.  

 

Our Love for Our Lord

Read:  Psalm 116 / Proverbs 17 / Genesis 47 / Acts 5 

 

Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Genesis 47:25 Thou hast saved our lives: let us find grace in the sight of my lord.

Acts 5:29 We ought to obey God rather than men.

 

Our love for the Lord Jesus Christ

Is stirred as we ponder the reasons:

Behold Him, the Lamb sacrificed,

Whose love still endures in all seasons!

 

He lovingly calls us to pray

And find in Him plentiful grace,

Renewing our strength to obey

In each situation we face.  

 

Designed and Done

Read:  Psalm 115 / Proverbs 16 / Genesis 46 / Acts 4

 

Psalm 115:2,3 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Genesis 46:3 I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation.

Acts 4:27-28 Of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed... the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

 

Why should the nations be so blind

And ask the question “Where is God?”

Forgetting what the Lord designed,

They praise the idols they applaud. 

 

Our God is known by what He’s done! 

He made, from Jacob, a great nation

From whence He also sent His Son,

Who died and rose for our salvation.